Parasite Patrol: Mastering Fecal Egg Counts for Healthier Goat Herds and Sheep Flocks in Iowa

Jun 23, 2025

Intestinal parasites in goats and sheep can significantly impact the health and performance of a herd or flock. From decreased production to a compromised immune system, goat and sheep owners of all types can struggle with high parasite loads.

Carolyn Ihde, the Small Ruminant Outreach Specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension , is hosting “Parasite Patrol,” workshops in Iowa highlighting intestinal parasite management for sheep and goat producers.

Extension colleagues are excited to share this workshop to equip producers with tools and strategies to help curb intestinal parasites in their flocks. Topics for this event include:

Intestinal parasite life cycle

Development of resistance

Management strategies

Hands-on experience with fecal egg counts (FEC) using a fecal sample from their animals

Goat and sheep producers of any size flock are welcome to attend, but pre-registration is required. This workshop will provide attendees with a greater understanding of intestinal parasite load, its effects, and how to treat it effectively. Participants will also leave with a McMaster microscope slide and instructions to perform more at-home fecal egg counts.

Source : wisc.edu

Video: Selling Rams & Helping New Farmers Begin

It’s shipping day again at Ewetopia Farms as we sell another Suffolk yearling ram! In today’s episode, we load one of our Suffolk rams onto the trailer as he heads off to his new farm to sire the next generation of lambs.

This particular customer has been buying our rams for over eight years, trusting Ewetopia genetics for their gentle temperaments, strong builds, and proven performance. Back home, we get busy looking after the flock that’s staying behind. With the weather turning wet and chilly, it’s time to put down fresh, clean bedding to keep everyone cozy and comfortable for the season ahead. Later, we welcome a wonderful new family who’s just starting out in sheep farming!

They’ve chosen some of our Suffolk ewe lambs to begin their flock — and we couldn’t be happier to help them take their first steps into raising sheep. Stay tuned for a follow-up episode when we help deliver and settle their new flock at their farm.